Smitty's Serious Game Preview: D.C. United

A lot fo people are saying the Crew have nothing to play for against D.C. United. Many are saying D.C. will cruise to an easy win, while the Crew will try to get geared up for their playoff run, which is locked in with Kansas City due to their 3-1dismantling of the Revs on Saturday night. For most, this Crew game will be a snoozer, played with boring bunker-Sigi-ball as the Crew try to nurse home a 0-0 draw, or maybe a 1-0 counterattack-fest.

(Attention Nordecke fans, now would be a good time to break out that chant you do when the ref makes a terrible call...)

The Crew's playoffs don't start next Saturday night in K.C. In truth, their playoffs started that chilly day against Toronto, when Adam Moffat made a name for himself, and the Crew beat Hoser F.C. 2-0. And the march to glory continues this weekend in Crew Stadium, in the team's final home game. While Columbus cannot be eliminated by D.C., the Crew can eliminate United with a win or tie. And since the bulk of their playoff hopes will depend on them eliminating teams, they'd better get started as soon as they have the chance. Unfortunately, it is very difficult to just "switch on" the extra gear the Crew are going to need to beat K.C., and most likely, Chicago and Houston. The Crew can't afford to treat the D.C. Match as if it's an end to their regular season. It is, in fact, the start to their post season. And quite honestly, if the Crew can't eliminate D.C., they don't deserve to move forward.

As far as I'm concerned, the playoffs start on Sunday, October 26th. Let's hope Sigi, Guille, and the boys all feel the same way.